Planning a vacation should be a pleasure, not a stress. This text was created based on thousands of messages you send us every summer. We have gathered all the key information in one place so you can prepare for your trip without last-minute rush and unpleasant surprises.

At the bottom of the text, you will find a checklist that you can take a picture of on your phone and use it to check everything necessary for your trip.

This text was created based on your most common inquiries that you send us every summer. We have gathered all the key information in one place so you can prepare for your trip without stress.

Everything you need to know before traveling to Greece

This text was created based on your most common inquiries that you send us every summer. We have gathered all the key information in one place so you can prepare for your trip without stress.

Documents

How long does a passport need to be valid for adults and children?

The passport must be valid for at least 3 months (90 days) from the date of return from Greece.
For example: departure June 1st - return - June 15th, the passport must be valid until September 15th.

Important for parents: Children’s passports have shorter validity, and parents often overlook their expiration. Here are the validity periods:
- Children up to 3 years: passport is valid for 3 years.
- Children from 3 to 14 years: passport is valid for 5 years.
- Children older than 14 years: passport is valid for 10 years.

Check the dates in advance as the deadlines for document processing are always full before summer!
Read more about passport rules here.

When is a power of attorney needed for a child under the age of 16?

For the passage of children under the age of 16 (from 0 to 15 years), there are 3 situations:
- If the child lives with both parents, official consent from the other parent is not required. However, if you want a completely peaceful trip without additional questions, you can obtain and carry it.
- If the child lives with a single parent or guardian: Consent from the other parent is not required, but we recommend bringing proof of guardianship (divorce decree - proof that you are the legal guardian). This gives you extra security at the border.
- If the child is crossing the border with a third party (grandparents, friends) or alone: In this case, the child must have a notarized consent. If the child lives with both parents, consent from both parents is required. If the child lives with one parent, consent from the parent/guardian is required.

Details about consent for traveling with minors.

What if the mother and child have different surnames (maiden name)?

In this case, be sure to bring the child’s birth certificate (a copy is also acceptable) to quickly and easily prove the relationship at the border. We advise you to obtain a bilingual certificate from the registrar to avoid misinterpretations if asked for a document.

Car documents

What documents do I need to enter Greece by car?

In addition to a valid passport, you need:
- driver’s license,
- vehicle registration document, and
- European accident report.
- If the car is not registered in your name, an international power of attorney (yellow card) is mandatory.
- Read all about the documents for Greece here.

Is a green card required and how much does it cost?

The green card is still required for entry into North Macedonia. It is issued by your insurance company and costs around 2,000 RSD.

What if I forget to obtain a green card before departure?

You can obtain it at the Preševo border crossing in AMS branches, but at a higher price (around 20 EUR for a temporary policy). If you don’t buy it on the Serbian side, you can buy it in North Macedonia before crossing the border, but at a high cost (around 50 euros and valid for 7 days). More about the green card.

Can I travel to Greece with a Serbian provisional driver’s license?

Although Greek regulations under certain conditions allow driving with a provisional license, it is not recognized in North Macedonia, which prevents passage to Greece this way.

What are the rules for child seats in Greece?

Children up to 3 years old must be in a designated seat. Children from 3 to 11 years old and under 135 cm in height must use an appropriate seat or booster (cushion). Rules for transporting children in a car.

Your quick check-list (Take a photo with your phone!)

You can take a picture of this table (screenshot), open it in your phone’s gallery, and use the “Edit” option (pen) to check off the items you have completed

Item Checked? Note
Passports Valid for at least 3 months after return
Green card Required for North Macedonia
International power of attorney Yellow card Only if the car is not in your name
Health insurance Travel insurance for all members
TAG device Check for top-up (Open Balkan system)
Child seats Suitable for the child’s age and height
Consent for children If traveling with one parent or a third party
Birth certificate extract If mother and child have different surnames
European accident report Should be in the car compartment
Photographed documents Photos of passports and policies on your phone

Road, tolls, and safety

How much do tolls cost to the sea and do I need a TAG?

Tolls through Macedonia are around 14 EUR (round trip), while the price in Greece depends on the destination. We recommend configuring the Open Balkan TAG (at any post office in Serbia) before your trip, which works in Serbia and Macedonia, while there is a separate system for Greece. The Greek TAG is free and can be obtained and topped up at the first toll booth after the border.
Complete toll price list by route.

Are there speed cameras on the road to Greece?

Yes, especially in North Macedonia where the Safe City system is introduced, automatically recording violations, and the fine awaits you at the border crossings. In Greece, cameras are usually announced by traffic signs. Read about new fines and cameras.

Which border crossing is the fastest for my destination?

If you are heading to the Ionian coast (Lefkada, Parga), the Niki (Medžitlija) crossing is often less congested than Evzonija. For Thassos, it is most convenient to go to Keramoti.
Guide to alternative crossings and faster routes.

How can I check the border crossing queues in real-time?

The best way is to monitor live cameras on the AMSS (for Serbia) and the North Macedonian Ministry of Interior (for Tabanovce and Bogorodica crossings) websites. Links to cameras at border crossings.

What should I do in case of theft or loss of documents in Greece?

Immediately report the loss to the nearest police station. With the obtained report, contact our consulate in Thessaloniki or Athens for the issuance of a travel document. Procedure in case of loss of documents.

Bonus: Where to take a break?

Where is the best place to stop for lunch or overnight? Many travelers have been choosing Veles and Mrzence for decades, and as a special tip for lovers of beautiful settings, we recommend the Queen Maria winery in North Macedonia. Recommendations for breaks and overnight stays on the way to the sea.

Small guide through truths and misconceptions

  • Myth 1: “You need an international driver’s license for Greece.”
    • Truth: For years, our new biometric license has been sufficient. You better spend the money for an international license on lunch in Mrzenci.
  • Myth 2: “You can’t go to Greece if your passport expires in less than 6 months.”
    • Truth: For Greece (as a Schengen member), the rule is 3 months from the planned return date. It’s not 6, as many think.
  • Myth 3: “Greek police confiscates your license on the spot for every offense.”
    • Truth: There are strict penalties (such as those for throwing cigarette butts or driving in flip-flops/without a shirt, as mentioned in your text about the new law), but for most standard offenses, a fine is paid. License confiscation is reserved for more serious offenses or child seat violations.
  • Myth 4: “You need a green card even if you go through Bulgaria.”
    • Truth: Not necessary. Bulgaria is in a system where only the insurance policy is required (like in Greece). The green card remains mandatory only for North Macedonia.

Have a safe journey and don’t forget to enjoy every kilometer, the sea is waiting for you!